Weekend at the park
Wild River State Park, friday-Saturday
Enjoy a full weekend of family activities, from a treasure hunt to programs on snakes, bats and owls. (651-583-2125, ext. 227, mndnr.gov)
Fall walk
Interstate State Park,10-11 a.m. Saturday
Discover the inside tips and tricks that animals use to get ready for the coming cold. (651-465-5711, mndnr.gov)
Whitewater color
Whitewater State Park, 1-3 p.m. Saturday
Learn about the unique history of the Elba Fire Tower and be prepared to climb it. (1-507-312-2300, mndnr.gov)
Birding for beginners
Fort Snelling State Park, 10-11 a.m. Saturday
Join a naturalist for a birding hike. Learn the basics about how to identify birds. To register, call 612-725-2724. The hike is free. (mndnr.gov)
Pumpkin festival
Lake Shetek State Park, 1-4 p.m. Saturday
An annual festival with myriad family activities from games to campfire treats. (1-507-763-3256, mndnr.gov)
Focusing on bats
Fort Snelling State Park, 1-2 p.m. Sunday
Come learn about bats that are native to Minnesota, how echolocation works, myths, and their benefit to humans. (612-279-3550, mndnr.gov)
Mountain biking
Elm Creek Park Reserve, 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday
A series of night mountain bike racing stops at Elm Creek. (763-559-6700, threeriversparks.org)
Bird banding
Lowry Nature Center, 9-noon Saturday
Wild songbirds will be carefully trapped, studied, banded and released. Drop in anytime. (763-694-7650, threeriversparks.org)
Intro to geocaching
Whitewater State Park 10-noon Saturday
Learn the basics. There are park-provided global positioning units if needed. (1-507-312-2308, mndnr.gov)
Raptor watch
Spring Lake Park Reserve, 1-3 p.m. Sunday
Search the skies over Schaar's Bluff in Hastings for migrating raptors. Binoculars provided if needed. (952-891-7000, co.dakota.mn.us)